A new chapter began for the Stockton Kings as they opened the 2025–26 NBA G League season at Adventist Health Arena with a new head coach, a packed crowd and back-to-back games against the San Diego Clippers.
Before tipoff, the Stockton Kings unveiled their 2024–25 NBA G League championship banner, celebrating last season’s title with a roar from the home crowd. Although they lost their first game Saturday, the Kings bounced back Sunday with a fourth-quarter comeback to even the series.
Will Scott makes head coaching debut
New head coach Will Scott took the reins for his first official game Saturday night. Scott previously served as associate head coach and worked with both the Stockton and Sacramento Kings.
“It was awesome,” he said. “Everyone showed up. It was a great crowd … a great environment for the coaches and players.”
Scott emphasized that consistency will be a key focus this season.
“We had great moments,” he said. “But we didn’t sustain them. We’ll come in tomorrow, clean it up, and get another shot.”
Sacramento star power courtside
Opening night wasn’t just big for Stockton fans — it brought NBA attention, too. Sacramento Kings players Russell Westbrook, Drew Eubanks and Nique Clifford were courtside Saturday, showing support for the organization’s two-way players.
Sacramento Kings players Russell Westbrook and Nique Clifford made a surprise appearance courtside to support the Stockton Kings’ two-way players on opening night. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia) 
Sacramento Kings center Drew Eubanks poses for a courtside photo with friends during the Stockton Kings’ opening night at Adventist Health Arena. (Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
Kings staff told Stocktonia the visit was Westbrook’s idea. He wanted the two-way guys to feel seen, encouraged and backed by the parent club.
Their presence energized fans and teammates alike, adding a jolt of excitement to an already electric home opener.
Saturday: Hot start, tough finish
In the season opener, the Kings lost 102–97 to the San Diego Clippers. Stockton led 61–43 at halftime behind Dexter Dennis’ 16 first-half points, but San Diego surged in the fourth quarter. Per the Stockton Kings’ press release.
Maxime Raynaud and Isaiah Stevens each scored 18 points. Raynaud added 15 rebounds, and Stevens recorded 11 assists. Off the bench, Jameer Nelson Jr. contributed 12 points.
Despite the loss, players saw encouraging signs.
“We shared the ball well in the first half and rebounded strong,” Raynaud said. “It’s only my second day with the team, so I’m just trying to build chemistry and give support.”
Dennis echoed that mindset. “We’ve got some kinks to work out,” he said. “But we’ve got a chance to win games once we gel.”
Sunday: Kings rally for comeback win
The Kings responded Sunday with a 117–108 win to split the weekend series. Two-way player Daeqwon Plowden exploded for 34 points, and Dennis added 22. Dylan Cardwell delivered his second straight double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
After falling behind by 14 at halftime, Stockton erased the deficit with a 19–0 run in the final quarter. Cardwell sparked the momentum with three powerful dunks per the Stockton Kings’ press release.
A season of promise
The Kings hit the road next to face the Santa Cruz Warriors on Nov. 14 and 15. Both games begin at 7 p.m. and stream on NBAGLeague.com and NBCSBA.
Scott said the focus this year is on discipline, hustle, and pride in representing Stockton.
“We want a team that makes Stockton proud,” he said. “We’re going to work hard every day to make that happen.”